Postdoctoral position in Data Analysis and Image Processing

A postdoc position is available in the Department of Neurophysics (Director: N. Weiskopf) at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI-CBS) in Leipzig, Germany. 
The successful candidate will be part of a team developing and applying methods for in-vivo histology of human brain microstructure using MRI, which is crucial for understanding the human brain in both health and disease. The project is funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant “Non-Invasive In-Vivo Histology in Health and Disease Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging“.

To characterize the microstructure of the cortex, the team will develop a novel quantitative multi-contrast imaging approach at ultra-high resolution that will be complemented by a unified model of MRI contrasts, cortical anatomy and tissue microstructure. Super-resolution diffusion and susceptibility imaging will further enhance the effective image resolution. High-resolution functional MRI (fMRI) will complement the anatomical imaging methods and will be used for cross-validation.

The postdoc will be embedded in a unique world-leading research environment and have access to the latest cutting-edge MRI hardware including: 7T, 9.4T, and the only 3T Connectom (300mT/m gradient amplitude) in Continental Europe for human MRI; novel quantitative histology and small bore 7T/9.4T MRI for ex-vivo studies. The systems are complemented by tailored RF coils, ultra-fast optical prospective motion correction and field camera devices. 

The post holder will develop an image processing framework that fully integrates the different imaging and histological modalities (e.g., relaxometry data, DWI and fMRI) and represents them in a 3D cortical model. This will allow for multi-modal laminar mapping and multi-contrast data integration. Particular challenges will be accurate registration of data with different resolution; correction of physiological noise, distortion and motion; precise delineation of the cortical sheet based on multi-spectral segmentation. The successful candidate will also help to integrate the biophysical signal models developed by the project team in the image processing framework, resulting in a unified description of the geometry and tissue microstructure of the cortex. 

Applicants must have a PhD in physics, computer science, mathematics, biomedical engineering, or a comparable subject. If not already held, the PhD must be obtained by the agreed start-date. A strong background in image processing and/or data analysis plus high-level programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Matlab) is essential. Applicants must be specialists in at least one of the following areas: computational neuroanatomy; SPM, FSL or FreeSurfer; cortex-based analysis; distortion correction; histological image analysis; super-resolution imaging. The applicant should be able to demonstrate a consistently outstanding academic record, including publications.

The position is available now and the starting date is as soon as possible. It is funded for two years. Salary depends on experience and is based on regulations of the Max Planck Society. 
To apply, please include all documents in one PDF-file in the following order: CV, contact information for two references, a brief letter describing your personal qualifications, research interests and motivation for applying, copies of up to two of your publications. Applications with the subject heading “PD 05/16” should be sent via email to: [log in to unmask] The deadline for application submission is 3 October 2016. Interviews of shortlisted candidates are planned between 17-19 October 2016. 

Contact for informal enquiries regarding the post: Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Weiskopf ([log in to unmask]). For more information: http://www.cbs.mpg.de/departments/neurophysics/
The MPI-CBS is an equal opportunities employer, committed to the advancement of individuals without regard to ethnicity, religion, gender, or disability.